Abstract:
The highest goal of the Buddhist doctrine is to arrive at a complete extinction of suffering or NIBBA̅NA. The way leading to the state aimed at is made up of a threefold practice, namely the practice in SI̅LA (Moral Codes of Conduct), SAMA̅DHI (Calm and One pointedness), and PÃÑNA̅ (Wisdom and Insight). This Threefold Path is generally expanded into the so-called Eightfold Path. The various components in the Path are inter-connected. And one component cannot be practised without the other. Nevertheless, the function of Paññā is the most prominent. The most highly developed Paññā does foster the insight into the Four Noble Truths, thus being responsible for destroying the defilements which act as the mother of sufferings. This is the nature of the way to get rid of sufferings. And this research is conducted in order to find out the meanings and functions of Paññā in Buddhist philosophy. The outcome of the research may be summed up as follows: 1. Paññā means to know distinctly, to understand, to have insight. Paññā is a word of general usage. It can be classified into two levels. Paññā refers to Lokiya- Paññā (Wisdom for the Worldly Existence) and Lokuttara- Paññā (Wisdom for Nibbāna). There are many words to distinguish Paññā at the different levels and functions, such as Samma̅adịṭthi (Right Understanding), Ñānṇa (Insight),Vijja̅ (Knowledge), Vipassana̅ (Insight Development), Parinña̅ (Comprehension), Abhiñña̅ (Miraculous powers), Bodhi (Enlightenment), etc. 2. The purpose for developing Paññā is to destroy Ignorance and Defilements, which are the mother of Suffering. Hence there are many of the Buddhist sayings, such as, With Paññā, there are no more defilements; The Citta that is trained by Paññā becames pure; A person is flawless because of Paññā." 3. Paññā is that part of nature which one should develop in oneself. Thus, there are many groups of the Buddha's Teachings that emphasize the role of Paññā, such as, Vuḍhidhamma, Bodhipakkhiyadhamma, and ultimately the Threefold path. 4. Paññā is the strengthener of Faith (Saddha̅). In Buddhism, Faith has to be clarified by wisdom and Insight. Without the latter, Faith would be blinded indeed. A person with Paññā is highly esteemed in the Buddhist culture. Generally he may be called Pandita or Sappurisa. The most highly developed in Paññā is, of course, the Buddha, the word which is translated as "the Enlightened One. He is enlightened of the meanings of Suffering, of the Causes of Suffering, of the Extinction of Suffering, and of the Path toward such an extinction. He is the one who understands the nature of Change, how Change constitutes Suffering and Selflessness. The word Buddha means to be awakened from Defilements and Ignorance. Thus, he is magnificent, clear, and pure. 6. The type of Pañña̅ for an attainment of the highest goal, Nibba̅na, is called Vipassana̅. Each of the enlightened ones must have transcendental knowledge (Pañña̅ Vimutti). Some of them might have trained their Citta to the point of gaining the miraculous powers, yet they have to develop their insight to transcend the mundane as well. In this case, they must have undergone the practice of Samādhi (Calm and One-Pointedness) and Vipassanā (Pure insight), both in a row, since Samādhi is the foundation of Vipassanā. It is the latter that fosters enlightenment of the Four Noble Truths. A teacher who made a commentary (in the Commentary) of the Buddhist Scriptures explained the process for purifying or developing Paññā as consisting of seven steps: Purification of the Moral Conduct, of the Heart, of the Mind, of the Knowledge for transcending Doubts, of the Vision regarding the Path, of the Vision regarding the progress along the Path, and of the Knowledge of the Highest Truth. This purification process is also an enlargement of the Threefold Path as mentioned. The first degree of purification, which is of minimum requirement, is called Sotāpattimagga or the "Path of Stream Entrance." This level of Paññā makes it possible to get rid of three types of Fetters (Saṁyojana): Self-illusion(Sakkāyadiṭṭhi), Doubt (Vicikicchā), and Adherence to Mere Rule and Ritual (Sīlabbataparāmasa). Then the highest level of Paññā is the Path of Arahatship, for the one to become enlightened presently. This type of Paññā is entitled to destroy all of the ten Fetters completely, In short, it is proficient enough to destroy Ignorance. Thus, having attained perfect enlightenment an Arahant becomes a witness to the sayings: With Paññā, there are no more defilements; The Citta that is trained by Paññā becomes pure; A person is flawless because of Paññā.